"Providing Hometown Reliability"
The Board of Public Works convened in regular session at 7:30 a.m. at the Marshall Municipal Utilities Business Office. Board members present were Chuck Hird, President; Ken Bryant, Vice President; Steve Mills, Secretary; Spencer Fricke, Member. Also present was Ron Ott, City Council Member.
The agenda was approved as presented on a motion by Mr. Bryant, seconded by Mr. Mills.
General Manager Kyle Gibbs reviewed the safety briefing. The minutes of the previous meeting were approved as printed on a motion by Mr. Mills, seconded by Mr. Bryant.
Environmental Services Director Ginny Ismay announced to the Board of an award the Wastewater Treatment Plant was presented at the AWWA/MWEA Conference. They were named MWEA Wastewater Treatment Plant of the Year for small facilities. Next week, construction of the shell for the Waste Water Treatment Plant maintenance building will begin.
Human Resource Manager Megan Baldridge provided the Annual Wage and Benefit Review, and also presented recommendations for adjustments needed. On a motion made by Mr. Bryant, and seconded by Mr. Fricke, it was voted to table these recommendations until the next meeting.
Electric Distribution Director Jeff Bergstrom requested Board approval for the purchase a replacement unit used man-lift. The current one, a 1977 scissor lift, was purchased used in 1998. One will be needed to assist in completing work on the new warehouse and wastewater maintenance buildings. On a motion made by Mr. Mills, seconded by Mr. Fricke the Board approved requesting bids for replacing the 1977 scissor lift.
Director Bergstrom then presented the Board bids received for the North Street Substation Batteries. Bids were received from three companies. The lowest coming from Weisler & Associates for $16,104 that includes the Battery String, Rack, Charger, Spill Containment System, Delivery and Installation. On a motion made by Mr. Bryant, seconded by Mr. Mills, the Board approved to accept the bid from Weisler and Associates for $16, 104.
Director Bergstrom informed the Board about a problem brought to his attention with Net Metering customers. We were billing delivered energy instead of net energy. Billing has been corrected. He also stated he had received the revised contract from Landis and Gyr for the electric meter replacements, but hasn't had a chance to review it. In wrapping up his report, Director Bergstrom encouraged the Board to review the eReliability Tracker Report provided by the American Public Power Association (APPA) based on MMU's data that is entered in their system.
Administrative Services Director Ken Gieringer informed the Board that Socket Telecom LLC has requested to amend their agreement with MMU to allow them to offer voice over internet services to our customers. The actual contract hasn't been received, but is asking the Board to pre approve their request. On a motion made by Mr. Bryant, seconded by Mr. Mills, the Board approved amending the current agreement with Socket Telecom LLC to allow offering voice services on the MMU fiber system, pending a review by management.
Director Gieringer then explained the cause and outcome of a power outage experienced at the Business Office in the early morning hours of Monday, March 20th; options are being evaluated to minimize the chance of this happening again. Director Gieringer is working with staff to upgrade the billing system for it to include energy use vs. energy created for the net metering customers. To close, Director Gieringer informed the Board the insurance company has made an offer to settle MMU's claim for damages to truck #331.
Director Piper updated the Board on the North English Lift Station improvements. The wastewater system is running completely on the new installation.
Electric Production Director Jim Johnson reported he has submitted several annual reports; 2016 Emissions Inventory Questionnaire, Energy Information Administration (EIA860), and 920-S.
General Manager Kyle Gibbs informed the Board of the Apogee (Energy Advisor) Renewal. This is a service provided through MPUA. It allows citizens to input data based on their household and will show the customer where energy is being consumed. Also, he received a response, late yesterday, from ConAgra on the cardboard contract. He will review and email the Board next week.
On a motion by Mr. Bryant, seconded by Mr. Fricke, accounts payable were approved and warrants ordered issued from the following funds:
WATER OPERATING FUND $132,773.66 ELECTRIC OPERATING FUND $613,889.90 SEWER REVENUE FUND $159,426.13 INTERNET OPERATING FUND $26,463.39 NATURAL GAS OPERATING FUND $5,361.46 ELECTRIC CONSUMER DEPOSIT FUND $5,800.00 Total $943,714.54
The next Regular Board meeting will be Thursday April 13, 2017.
On a motion by Mr. Bryant, seconded by Mr. Fricke, the Board adjourned voted unanimously to adjourn the regular meeting at 8:30 a.m.